Key Highlights:
- Walton Family Claims No. 1 Spot: Walmart owners’ wealth surges to ₹36.7 lakh crore, ₹14.6 lakh crore more than last year.
- Ambanis Among the Top 10: With ₹8.45 lakh crore, the Indian business family secures the 8th position.
- Total Wealth of Top 25 Families: Combined assets of ₹211 lakh crore; majority of families retain spots for years.
- Notable Indian Presence: The Mistry family, owners of Shapoorji Pallonji Group, ranks 23rd with ₹3.5 lakh crore wealth.
- Global Family Business Success: Stories of iconic brands like Walmart, Hermes, and Mars show decades of entrepreneurial legacy.
New Delhi: Bloomberg’s much-anticipated list of the 25 richest families in the world has revealed a staggering increase in their combined wealth, which soared by ₹34.5 lakh crore in 2024. The Walton family, owners of retail giant Walmart, secured the top spot, dethroning last year’s leader.
The Walton family’s fortune surged to ₹36.7 lakh crore, an impressive increase of ₹14.6 lakh crore from 2023. The royal families of UAE and Qatar ranked second and third, respectively, while India’s Ambani family clinched the 8th position with a total wealth of ₹8.45 lakh crore.
Adding to India’s representation, the Mistry family, which owns the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, stood at the 23rd spot with a net worth of ₹3.5 lakh crore.
A Snapshot of Global Wealth Distribution
The combined wealth of the top 25 families in Bloomberg’s list reached an astounding ₹211 lakh crore. Over 70% of the families featured have consistently retained their positions for several years, reflecting their enduring dominance in the global economic landscape.
Iconic Family Businesses That Built Empires
- Walton Family (Walmart):
- Sam Walton started his journey in 1950 with a five-and-dime store in the U.S.
- Today, Walmart operates 10,600 stores worldwide with the family holding a 46% stake.
- Hermes Family (Luxury Fashion):
- Established in 1837 by Thierry Hermes, this French brand initially produced horse reins.
- Now a leading luxury fashion house, the Hermes family ranks fourth globally.
- Mars Family (Candy Empire):
- Frank Mars began crafting candies in 1902, overcoming the challenges of polio.
- Known for Snickers and Milky Way, the 7th richest family now focuses on pet products.
- Ambani Family (Reliance Industries):
- Dhirubhai Ambani laid the foundation of Reliance in 1955 with spice exports.
- Today, Reliance dominates industries like telecom, petroleum, and retail, cementing the family’s position among the global elite.
Bloomberg’s list showcases not only the monumental wealth of these families but also the entrepreneurial grit, generational vision, and resilience that built their empires. For Indian families like the Ambanis and Mistrys, the inclusion underscores the growing global influence of Indian businesses.
From retail giants like Walmart to luxury brands like Hermes, these families represent the epitome of sustained wealth creation. With Indian families making their mark, this list is a testament to the enduring power of vision and enterprise in shaping the global economy.
